Year of Evil Month 5 pt1 Ranma's New Year

by Nocturnis

I should warn that this story kind of breaks the rules because it's starts on Dec 31. Also this story will be dealing with mature themes. I think it should be pointed out that there is no way that Nabiki is not eighteen by now. So I've warned you. Also this is a New Years Eve story parts of this story are based on the viewpoints of the people involved.

1. Chapter 1

Ranma 1/2

Akuma's New Year

January 30th

It was meant as a harmless party tension killer. I swear Nabiki I didn't mean for it to turn out this fucked up. I hope as you read this letter you will come to understand how events unfolded the way they did. The last couple of days with you have been very memorable and I hope for many more. I'm sorry that I'm not good at writing mushy e-mail. Technology has never been kind to me; that's why I prefer glassscape. Anyway you know how this mess began. You invited me to be your date at Ranma's New Years Eve party. What you didn't know was I cured everybody of the whole sakuratu mess on Chrms morn. And the fact that the love obsession thing was over would have made everybody more relaxed. I admit that was the first mistake I made. The second mistake I made was spiking the punch. You know how that turned out. But please believe when I tell you that I had no idea that it would turn out like this. I even find myself wondering how the others are doing.

December 31st

Sometimes a man needs to think about things in private. That's why I've come here to this temple just to think. The invitations are out no going back. So far it looks like it's going to a party of thirteen. I never thought of thirteen as an unlucky number. That was always some girly crap made up to scare the superstitious and the gullible. Well that was until Nabiki announced that Akuma was coming to the party as her date. Now I'm worried, Nabiki has always been a manipulative bitch. I've lost count on how many times she's blackmailed or exploited me in her business ventures. And still I'm worried about her relationship with Akuma. Part of it I admit is selfish. Akuma is bad news. The fact that he's the demon founder of Anything Goes Martial Arts and can kick all our asses is part of my fears. Plus he has century's worth of magic and knows how to exploit all the secrets in Nerima. But the fact that he's teamed up with the future crime boss of Tokyo now that's down right terrifying. Two deceptive minds working as one, I can't imagine what would happen if they got married. What would they name their kid Damien? Still she will be my future sister I just can't picture Akuma as my future brother in law especially since he's already my cousin. Yeah Akira Saotome future student of Nerima High and Nabiki's new boyfriend. I know he can't be trusted but still I've never seen Nabiki so happy. She still hides behind her mask of professionalism. But lately she's been humming little romantic tunes to herself. And last night I actually saw her checking out some demon sites on the net. We've all voiced are concerns about her dating a demon; her father nearly had a heart attack. But the whole girl love thing blinds her. But then again I guess I'm one to talk. Me and Akane are becoming more and more serious. I never thought I would actually want to see her naked. I think it's because were both so physical that our hormones are on overdrive. It's funny in a way I always thought that it would be Nabiki and Akira who would be trying to resist groiny urges while me and Akane would be wrapped up in that lovey dovey crap. Instead Akira has been acting like a perfect gentle creature of darkness and at the same time me and Akane are making out in any private place we can find. Last night was the ultimate joke actually making out in Nabiki's closet as she was checking demon Internet sites.

The snow falls gently on my rooftop, as I lie here waiting for news of my pigtailed princess, I have received an invitation from of all people Ranma Saotome inviting me to a New Year's Eve party. Perhaps I should consider giving Akane Tendo another chance. I have been neglecting her for the last couple of months. And now there are rumors of dates she's been going on with Saotome. Is it possible that my rejection drove her into that peasant's arms? And now he wishes to gloat over his victory by inviting me to this party. Worse the invitation says casual wear only. He has Akane Tendo while my pig-tailed love is being held captive by that brute Ryoga Habiki and he expects to dress like a commoner? No I won't let him humiliate me. I'll go to this party and I'll take Akane Tendo back into my heart and away from his perverted hands. This I Whatitati Kuno swear,

They're fools; they're all fools. They underestimate and toy with my affections. But let them play their little party games and dance badly. I'm almost ready I just need a little more time then I'll make them all pay. First I'll start with that Chinese Witch I'll make her beg me to kill her. But no my pretty I have a fate far worse in store for you. Next will be all of my former beloved's harlots. Ukyo, Akane Tendo and my brothers red haired obsession won't stand a chance. I'll make him watch as I make them suffer and only when he swears total subjugation, when he willingly accepts my thorns. Then I'll kill them. The Black Rose of St Bachus Kodachi Kuno is gone wilted away like some naïve little girl now there is only the Dark Rose.

I have to stop her. One way or the other I have to stop her I won't let that evil endanger the Kuno household again. I'll stop it even if I have to die to do it.

Dear Diary

They're all worried about me. And I guess they have a good reason to be. My new boyfriend is a demon after all. And I know I should be more cautious. But he's so cunning and devious. He has a mind that makes money, and he's not hard on the eyes either. Plus, looking at my previous track record its nice having a guy interested in me for a change, Did Akane seriously believe I would be content well all the guys chased after her? And Kasumi has a handsome doctor that has the hots for her (even if he does turn a gibbering idiot whenever he sees her.) Besides Akuma isn't really that bad his magic hasn't really done anything to evil. It was Shampoo, Mousse and Ukyo that started that whole sakuratu mess. He accomplished something that none of the others were capable of doing and rid us of Happosi, and oh no Ranma can't curse or say anything harmful. Is that really a bad thing? And so far he's kept his word. Ranma can curse again; he stopped distributing the erotic adventures of Randy and Amy (however he didn't promise that I would stop distributing them). And most importantly he saved my life. But because he's a demon everyone thinks the worst of him. Even I'm always suspicious of his motives at first. And it still bothers me that he slept with Shampoo. He's sworn loyalty to me even put himself, under a binding contract. Still there's so much I don't know about him. And part of me doesn't want to know. Is that so wrong everybody has secrets and a past. Do I really need to know his? Damn him ever since he showed up my minds been on more than just business. He knows how to disarm me at every turn. And I know that I should be more cautious but as naive as its sounds I don't think Akuma would ever hurt me.

Well everybody's getting ready for the big New Year's Eve party that will take place tonight. I hope everybody enjoys the snacks I made. This should be a lot of fun despite the mess it will make. Besides Ranma is right I think everybody needs this party. With everything that's happened since that demon arrived, a chance for everyone to relax would be nice.

So why aren't you relaxing?

There's just so much to do. Even with only thirteen guests there still food that has to be made, decorations to set up, and music to select.

You're avoiding the question, why aren't you relaxing; after all you suffered the most since he arrived. And now you're planning on catering him as well as the rest of Ranma and Akane's guests.

There are guests and they should be treated properly. Now where did I leave those potato chips?

Treated properly why? You haven't been treated properly have you, Always catering to their every need, giving up your life to make them happy, Jesus your twenty going on thirty five,

Oh now were did I put that salad bowl? I think Ranma needs to eat more vegetables.

Forget about the fucken salad bowl. It's time for you to face facts. Ryoga molested you and they should be taking care of you.

Who are you?

You know who I am. I'm the person you try to hide from everybody; the one who wants to be a twenty-year-old collage student instead of a surrogate mother.

That's ridiculous I enjoy taking care of my family.

Do you? Or is it because your mother made you promise to take care of them, how long must you bear this burden? When will you finally have a life of your own?

I, I

Do you really think that Tofu will marry you, How when you spend all your time taking care of them.

Stop it. I'll get married and take care of my husband.

Sure you will, how much experience do you have with men? Or was Ryoga your first?

**!

Oh that's it you liked it. You thought that he was Tofu and you liked his hands around your breasts, the feeling of his finger on your nipple.

"Stop it, just stop it please. Oh look at this mess I made I better clean it up before are guests arrive."

Dear Diary

I'm worried about my sisters. Nabiki is dating a demon and I just found Kasumi cleaning up a mess on the floor after I heard her screaming at somebody. At first I thought Ryoga had returned. But there was nobody there but her. I'm starting to think that maybe Ranma was right. This party may what everybody needs right now. I'm even surprised that he insisted it on being completely casual. But then again lately he's really been acting differently. Our Christmas together was great even if our fathers interrupted it. Of course I'm concerned about the guest list. I'm hoping that Kodoachi and Shampoo can behave themselves I really don't want any fighting at this party. Ukyo has offered to help with preparations. It was kind of nice to actually have a nice girl chat with Ukyo. I went down to her restaurant to give her the invitation. I told her it was just a chance for all of us to relax. She actually smiled at me. Out of all of the fiancée's Ranma's been roped into one way or the other Ukyo's the one that I mind the least. Besides it might be nice to have a friend that knows Ranma so well. The only thing is can I trust her to be honest with me?

I'm wasting my time. I thought meditating would help but all I'm getting is a butt cramp. It's been only a couple of days since Akuma cured them all of Cologne's sakuratu root powder including me. The only difference is I know that I was affected by a thousand-year-old Chinese Amazon love spell. Despite what they all think I'm not an idiot. I wake up one morning and turn human to pack my few belongings and I'm no longer obsessed with Kodachi. But things have changed now; my feelings for a certain Chinese Amazon have also changed. I think I'm finally over Shampoo. That I'm ready to start a new life in China in fact there is only two things stopping me. One is that damn demon who tracked me down in the park before I could leave for China. I remember the conversation and how confusing it was.

"Hey duck man you really plan on leaving Nerima?"

"I should kill you where you stand."

"You tried remember? I honestly didn't think you had it in you."

"Well I guess you know better now." I must have been glaring at him because he actually shifted a little bit.

"So why didn't you finish the job not that I'm complaining." The arrogant bastard actually asked me that. I wanted to just get up and walk away. But despite what he had done there was a truth that I couldn't deny. Yes he slept with Shampoo and then dumped her. But I should have known he would have done that he was a soulless demon after all. That was the rationalization I kept telling myself as I hunted him down. It wasn't easy since I had to stay in my duck form. In human form I couldn't give a damn about Shampoo's welfare, as I was obsessed with Kodachi. And when we were fighting he actually didn't think he did anything wrong. And in a sense he didn't. Shampoo was willing to offer herself to me, to finally accept me; But only as her rebound man and that damn demon actually started making me feel like I deserved better. But the ultimate moment of truth was when I finally got him during our battle. All my skill and I couldn't lay a dirk on him. But when Nabiki Tendo got into the path of my weapons Akuma took the full brunt of that assault without hesitation. I couldn't understand at first, why; did this soulless son of a bitch jump in the path of my weapons. Even when I saw a small spark of soul in his eyes I was still puzzled. My moment of clarity was when I saw Nabiki crying over his huddled mass. He loved her like I loved Shampoo. But unlike Shampoo she loved him back.

"You want to know why I didn't kill you back then. It's very simple really because despite all the evil things you've done and all the people you hurt..." I then had a sigh of realization "You're still the best friend I've ever had." He didn't say anything at first he just nodded. The silence between us was still uncomfortable. "So why did you track me down."

"The Tendo's are having a New Years Eve party and they want to invite you." He handed me the invitation.

"Are you going to be there?" I asked.

"Have you ever known me to miss a party?" he then walked away without looking back.

Which brings me to reason number two Kodachi, Despite the fact that I'm cured of the sakuratu I still have feelings for my beautiful Black Rose. Damn I can't leave without at least saying good bye or without telling her the truth about me. Maybe she can accept the duck in me if she knew it was really I. She'll most likely be at the party. I think I might be able to get some casual wear.

Shampoo is confused woke up this morning and not mad at stupid laughing girl anymore. All Shampoo is now is tired. Great Grandma says she will kill demon husband if she find him. Yes Shampoo slept with demon willingly even enjoyed it and was looking forward to fucking demon regularly. To Amazon warrior sex with man is same as wedding vows. To use Amazon woman means he be castrated then thrown into Jusenkyo. Demon stronger then Ranma and more likely skilled in arts both fighting and pleasuring, But he said Shampoo okay but not great. To Amazon warrior that mean not good enough to be wife. If Shampoo not good enough to be demon wife then how can Shampoo have good husband. Then yesterday Shampoo receives invitation to New Years Eve party from greedy Tendo sister. Shampoo know that husband will be there. Also know that Ranma be there. Ranma no longer Shampoo's. Won't fight for Shampoo, will never love Shampoo. He give Shampoo no choice if he become girl Ranma again Shampoo will kill. As for demon husband if he think he can use Shampoo like cheap whore he better think again. We married now and Shampoo know how to be good wife for new husband.

I could have sworn that it was this way. But then again it usually takes about a month to find them. And even if I do find them how am I going to explain to any of them that it was an accident. I've slept with Akane plenty of times and I never thought of fondling her. But try telling Ranma that, or worse try telling Akane that. I guess I have been selfish. It never even occurred to me that I would run the risk of waking up naked as a man (how did that happen anyway?) And to be fair Ranma has been honorable enough not to tell anyone my secret. At least not bluntly, sure he's hinted to the others that there was a connection between P-Chan and me to the others. I wonder if he realizes how lucky he is to have a family that he can trust with his secret. I haven't seen my family since Jusenkyo. But now I have to go back and face whatever's waiting for me. Normally I wouldn't be scared of Kasumi's idea of justice. But after what she tried doing to me when I was tied up in their cellar I'm terrified of her. I've never seen her like that before she was enjoying every minute of it. Dancing in front of me, rubbing her legs against my thigh while taunting me and even letting me see a little bit of her cleavage. I thought I would die of a massive nosebleed. But then it was when she brought out the cutlery that I started to fear for my life. That's the real reason I ran from them all. Well that and the fact that I was actually enjoying Kasumi's little dance of seduction. Is it possible that I really could be a rapist? Could I just snap one day and force myself on Akane? My stupidity has really made a mess of things this time. But I never thought that I would be going to confront Kasumi about my fate. One way or another I'm not running anymore.

December 31st 6:00 pm

The doorbell rang at the Tendo household.

"Oh hello Akuma," Kasumi said greeting the demon at the door with her usual strained politeness. The demon smiled and tilted his cap towards.

"Hello Kasumi you're looking well. Is it safe for me to come in? Or are you in the middle of serving snacks?" he asked looking around cautiously.

"No the food won't be served until 9:00 here let me take your coat." As she approached him she stepped on his foot.

"Ow," The demon said quietly trying his best to stay on Kasumi's good side.

"Oh how clumsy of me here let me take your hat," The demon quickly jumped back

"I'll keep it if you don't mind. After all we don't want to alarm the other guests." Kasumi just shrugged and went back to the kitchen. The demon waited until the hallway was clear then went to the coat stand and removed a small bottle from his pocket.

Nabiki was upstairs in her room getting her video surveillance equipment ready.

"Planning on making some home movies?" the demon asked her. She put her hand to her chest. Damn I wish he would make some sound when he walked. Shaking her head she couldn't help but smile when she saw what her new boyfriend was wearing. All the time she's known him she's never seen him without his jacket. But now he was wearing a black t-shirt with the words Party Animal in white. Besides that though his appearance was nothing out of the ordinary, if anything about him is ordinary she thought.

"Hey with all of Ranma fiancées showing up anything can happen." He put his arms around and gave her a hug. He's a lot stronger than he looks. She thought as he embraced her.

"Never miss a business opportunity do you?"

"Nope" she said with a little smile.

"That's my girl." He said as he gave her a kiss on the cheek

"How about you are you planning on causing trouble?" She asked giving him a stern eye.

"Of course but don't worry it won't hurt anybody really. In fact I'm hoping that everyone will loosen up and have some fun with me around."

"I really don't see that happening Akira." He just shrugged and let her continue working.

"The coast is clear." Akane whispered as she stepped out of Kasumi's room.

"Don't you think that were taking this risk fetish of yours a little far making out in Kasumi's room." Ranma asked following her.

"You didn't seem to mind it fifteen minutes ago." Akane said with a wink.

"These days when I'm with you I don't seem to have a mind. Just instinct,"

"Really," Akane asked blushing. Ranma noticing opened the door to Akane's room for her like a gentleman.

"Ah well yeah," Ranma muttered stepping into her room. "The truth is part of me is scared to be alone with you." He said keeping a respectable distance from her.

"Really why afraid I'll hurt you?" she said with a teasing tone of voice. She lay down on her bed stretching out.

"No I'm afraid I'll enjoy you hurting me." God she's so sexy right now.

"Baka." She said throwing a pillow at him. "Do I look like the dominatrix type?"

Before she could react Ranma jumped on to the foot of her bed.

"No but then again it's always the ones you least expect." He said slowly advancing on her.

"Really so what secrets do you think Shampoo and Kodachi are hiding." She said pretending to back away.

"Well I think Shampoo is a lesbian and that Kodachi is really a guy."

"That would explain a couple of things about them." Akane said trying to keep a straight face. "You know to tell you the truth before Akuma I suspected that Nabiki might be a lesbian. I've never really seen her on a date and she takes so many pictures of your girl form."

"Yeah but then my long lost cousin showed and it was like love at first sight of his wallet. So that disproves your theory of Nabiki being a lesbian. But until Kasumi gets married I'm still going to believe that when everybody's asleep she dresses in black leather and secretly whips her slave Tofu every night." The mental image of Mistress Kasumi filled both their minds and the couple started laughing hysterically.

"It would explain why Tofu acts so strangely around her." She said laughing so hard tears filled her eyes. "Oh Mistress Kasumi I have been very bad punish me please." Akane said doing a bad imitation of Tofu.

"Silence slave, crawl over her and lick my boots clean. If you do a good job I might whip your ass." Ranma countered doing an even worse imitation of Kasumi. The two found themselves laughing so hard that they rolled of Akane's bed with a loud thud. "Oh dear," Ranma said still imitating Kasumi. "My slave Tofu we seem to be in a compromised position."

"I just wish that your lesbian sister Nabiki was here to photograph my humiliation." Akane said still acting like Slave Tofu. The couple laughed until their lips and tongue connected into a pleasurable lock.

Ukyo walked to the Tendo dojo slowly she felt uncomfortable in her new blue jean jacket. Her hands were full of boxes of okynomyaki. But the invitation did say to dress casual still I feel naked without my battle wrap. Her mind went back to the day Akane walked into her restaurant. She seemed bright and cheerful as she walked into the restaurant.

"Hello Ukyo do you have a minute?" Akane asked seeing that the restaurant wasn't to busy.

"Yeah I guess." Ukyo said wondering why her rival was in her restaurant. They really hadn't seen that much of each other since Ranma suggested that they take a break from hunting Ryoga. She showed Akane to a table and sat down across from her. "So what can I do for you?" she asked with a suspicious tone of voice.

"Actually were having a New Years Eve party at our house and I was wondering if you would like to come." There was no animosity in Akane's voice just a bright cheerfulness. Ukyo had no idea how to respond. She always considered Akane as her number one rival for Ranma, but now she was talking to Ukyo like she was a friend.

"Ah yeah sure Akane sounds like a lot of fun."

"Great the party will be start tomorrow around nine."

"Great do you need any help with the food or decorations?" Akane stopped for a moment. Uh oh Ukyo thought I might have insulted her cooking.

"Actually Ukyo come to think of it we could use the help, if you're not too busy." There was no challenge in Akane's voice, no indication of violence at all. Ukyo watched as Akane stood to leave.

"Um Akane why don't stay and have some lunch. We can talk about the preparations while you eat." Akane watched as Ukyo sat down. She had a plate of sashimi in front of her.

"There's only so much of the same thing you can take before you get sick of it."

"I guess." Akane answered. The two ladies ate quietly for a couple of minutes until Ukyo broke the silence.

"Any word on Ryoga," Ukyo asked squeezing her fork.

"Nope Ranma's father ran into him a couple of weeks ago but nothing since." Akane sighed. "Don't worry, we'll find him eventually or he'll find us." Silence filled the table once more. "Ukyo,"

"Hm," Ukyo responded a face full of food.

"Do you love him?" The question caused Ukyo to nearly choke. Gulping down a glass of water to help swallow her food she looked at Akane intensly.

"He's a perverted monster how can you even think that I could love him?" she said slamming down her glass. "And if I get my hands on Ryoga Habiki.."

"I meant Ranma do you love him?" Ukyo stopped and stared at Akane.

"Of course I love him I'm his fiancée."

"And if you weren't?"

"Weren't what?" Akane smiled at the question. Ukyo noticed that it wasn't a wicked smile but a gentle smile of compassion.

"Ukyo we were both forced into an engagement to Ranma. Ranma's father stole your father's business from him, after it was offered as a wedding dowry. And our fathers promised us to each other."

"Your point," Ukyo said not sure she liked were this conversation was heading.

"He's your best friend Ukyo but do you really love him?" It was then that the realization hit her.

"You fucked him didn't you!" she shouted. "I should have put it all together earlier especially after reading that hentai." Akane turned a deep purple as she pushed Ukyo back to her seat before she drew any more attention.

"No Ukyo I'm still a virgin." She said as calmly as possible. Ukyo looked at her skeptically. "But yes it's true that me and Ranma have gotten more passionate over the last couple of months."

"I see." Ukyo said coldly. She was about to rise from her seat when Akane gently grabbed her.

"Ukyo I'm not telling you this to hurt you. We didn't think this would happen. And well I like you Ukyo all right. I would like to be your friend." Ukyo couldn't believe what she was hearing. Akane was her only real rival for Ranma's affections and now she was offering friendship. Worse she was telling her that they were getting more passionate.

"How passionate," Ukyo asked trying to hold back her tears.

"We're kissing a lot."

"Just kissing?"

"Um making out," Akane said, a light blush covering her face.

"Shit your serious!"

"Ukyo your Ranma's best friend and you've always been non-lethal with me. So I would be very happy if you would help me with the decorations. And if you would just be happy for Ranma and me."

"Akane I, I'm sorry Akane I can't just like Shampoo I can't ignore my engagement to Ranma. I promise to behave myself at the party." Ukyo said with a forced smile. Akane stood and began walking out the door.

"Akane I'm, I'm sorry about the sakuratu?" Akane turned around and smiled at Ukyo.

"It's alright Ukyo I understand really I do."

And now here I am helping them plan this party. This is ridiculous maybe Akane is right; maybe we can still be friends. But what about Ranma, Can he and Akane really be? She approached the front door and rang the bell.

"Akuma can I ask you a question?" The young couple was sitting on the floor checking the publication that they were working on.

"Yeah sure,"

"I know that you're not a virgin but when you have sex women does it hurt them?"

"I can control the size and density of that particular part of my body. And to tell you the truth I prefer it if my partner enjoys it."

"Really, I thought being a demon you would prefer to be a little rougher with your partners."

"That's only with consent."

"I see so you never took a woman against her will?"

"I see you've watched some tentacle hentai. Look all demons aren't like that.

"You mean that there are some demons with more then one!"

"Do you really think that a human could really write that stuff? Most of your tentacle hentai is written by demons recalling there past accounts before they were mortalized and stranded here. Why the sudden interest in demon sexual habits anyway? The demon's question caused Nabiki to turn a pale shade of red.

"I sometimes find myself thinking about how you didn't take advantage of me. And sometimes I just wonder how far this relationship of ours can go…"

"Before we start having are own erotic adventures?" Akuma sighed and gently took Nabiki's hand in his. "Listen Nabiki I'm under a binding contract that keeps me from even remotely taking advantage of you. I fully understood and accepted what would happen once I signed that contract."

"Kiss me."

"Huh?"

"I want you to kiss me. Nothing more, nothing less,"

"Nabiki are you sure about this?"

"Akira Saotome, shut up and kiss me." He leaned forward and pressed his lips against hers. The pressing of their lips filled Nabiki with strange electricity. One kiss suddenly became two and then three. Akuma and Nabiki were completely oblivious to the fact that her front door was wide open.

8:00pm

The guests started arriving and Kasumi couldn't believe that they all indeed did dress casual. Ukyo arrived half an hour after Akuma. She was wearing blue jeans with a matching jacket. When Kasumi took her jacket Ukyo was wearing a pine green sweater. She also had boxes of okynomiyaki in her arms. Kasumi took the food from her and led her to the kitchen.

"Ukyo so glad you could make it." Akane said greeting her at the door. Ukyo still wasn't used to this side of Akane. She was not as cranky or easy to anger.

"Uh hi Akane so ah what can I do?" she said stretching her arms.

"Oh there's plenty. We still have decorations to put up, food to prepare."

"Where's Ranma?"

"Oh I've got him and Aku ah Akira on sentry duty. They're basically keeping our fathers away from the food." Ukyo couldn't help but smile at the thought of the two Saotome men keeping Genma and Soun away from the kitchen. "Here you go Ukyo you can help with the salad."

"Okay sure." Hmm I wonder how Ranma and his cousin are getting along.

"Oh no Uncle Genma we were told to keep you out of the kitchen and that's what we're doing." Akuma said blocking of his new uncle.

"Stop calling him Uncle Genma." Ranma growled at his cousin.

"That's telling him Ranma my boy." Genma said trying to inch his way into the kitchen.

"Forget it pop Akane's cooking do you really want to risk it?" Ranma said blocking the front door. The thought of Akane's cooking caused Genma to back off.

"Good thinking that should keep him from sneaking in through the back."

"Yeah well that's the idea."

"Is Akane really that bad a cook?" Akuma asked his mortal cousin.

"She has knack for making food lethal."

"I thought that was Shampoo's department."

"No Shampoo does it deliberately, Akane means well but still ends up poisoning me, speaking of whom what's the deal with you and Nabiki? I thought you were after Shampoo."

"No I was just setting Shampoo up."

"Setting her up?"

"Yeah she was there when you told me you didn't want her. Why do you think she hasn't come around lately?"

"You son of a bitch you were just using me to hurt Shampoo?" Ranma was actually starting to become angry.

"So what's the big deal it's about time someone taught those stuck up Amazon bitches a lesson in reality and I did. Besides she had plenty of chances with Mousse and she blew them all."

"What the hell are you talking about?" Ranma asked preparing to strike his demonic cousin.

"Mousse has moved on he's no longer infatuated with Shampoo. He's already found a new love one that until recently actually returned his affections."

"You're telling me Mousse has a girlfriend." Akuma stretched his arms and leaned against the wall. "Oh I get it the saka-something root. But whom was Mousse infatuated with? Oh my god you're telling me Kodachi and Mousse are coupling?" Ranma said his eyes nearly popping out like a cartoon character.

"Yeah so in the end everybody's happy. You and Akane seem to be enjoying your time together." Ranma quickly looked down on the floor so Akuma couldn't see him blushing.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Really so it's not her that I smelled in Nabiki's closet? You forget Ranma a demons nose is a lot more sensitive then a human's. So what were you to doing in the closet to get her panties damp?"

"You're sick you know that?" Ranma said trying to kick Akuma into orbit. But instead Akuma caught his leg and spun him around.

"Are you going passed first with her? Are you two actually groping each other? Tell me cousin do you like the feel of her nipples against your palms." Ranma suddenly stopped trying to fight with Akuma.

"Does, ah does Nabiki have a camera in her closet?" He asked this afraid of the fact that people might learn that he Akane have indeed started touching each others intimate areas. But it got real serious when they were in Nabiki's closet. He indeed started getting a little carried away feeling up her breasts. To make matters worse Akane didn't object. But the thought that Akane was actually made wet by the experience and that Nabiki had it on tape. The thought was just too horrible to conceive.

"Whoa that was her I smelled. Shit cousin I thought that was just Nabiki."

"You didn't know? But you said you could smell Akane."

"Yeah well that was a bluff. The truth was I could only smell a little bit of sex. I should have known better to think it was Nabiki." Akuma said with a sigh. His cousin's reaction surprised Ranma. If I didn't know better I would think he was actually disappointed. But now what am I going to do? The demon just silently put his mortal cousin's leg down and resumed his post.

"Coming through," Ukyo blurted out carrying a huge punch bowl.

"Can I help you with that Ukyo?" Akira Saotome asked trying to take the punch bowl from her.

"Hands off bub no food or drinks until the guests arrive." She walked off unaware of the now empty bottle hidden up Akira's sleeve.

The guests started arriving as the women finished setting up. A tuxedo wearing Kuno greeted Kasumi. He was followed by Shampoo two minutes later who was surprisingly dressed in tight jeans and a red halter-top and vest combo.

"Hello Kasumi." A blue jeans wearing Mousse addressed her as he stepped inside. He was also wearing a black sweatshirt with a stars and moon pattern on it.

"Well it appears that Ranma's casual only idea really is working."

"I guess the party is getting started you better change cousin." Ranma stared at Akuma. It was clear to Akuma that Ranma didn't trust Akuma to stay out of trouble without supervision. Sighing Akuma proceeded up the stairs ahead of Ranma. "You know cousin you have some real trust issues you know that?"

"Just hurry up I'm not taking my eyes off you for a second?"

"Not even to peak into Akane's room, or will it be Kasumi's room tonight?" Akira Saotome just smiled as his cousin smacked him in the back of the head. The two young men entered Akane's room. Before he could ask why they were in her room Ranma pulled a pair of blue jeans and a black T-shirt out of her closet. Quickly Ranma got changed into the blue jeans and Metalica T-shirt that he bought yesterday. He was even more eager to see what Akane bought.

"Interesting I would have chosen Ozzy myself." Akuma said straightening out his cap. Ignoring his counterfeit cousin he checked himself out in the mirror. Not bad, not bad at all I might have to buy more clothes like this. Ranma suddenly panicked when his reflection showed that Akuma was no longer in the room with him. Turning around quickly he saw that the demon was leaning against the wall waiting for Ranma to finish.

"No soul, no reflection, remember," Akuma said with a little grin.

"Ah shut up. Ranma said grabbing his cousin and dragging back down the stairs.

The Tendo sisters quickly hurried up the stairs to change. Kasumi changed into a tasteful blue dress. Which was no surprise to her sisters, Nabiki giggled as she pulled out the tight pair of blue jeans and neon pink tank top. I wonder how Akira's going to react to this,

"Come on Akane get a move on." Nabiki said impatiently.

"Be right out." She heard her sister's voice call out. The door to her room opened and out stepped Akane looking like a heavy metal groupie. She was wearing a pair of acid washed jeans and a KISS T-shirt.

"What?" she asked a stunned looking Nabiki.

"Well this is new." Nabiki said regaining her composure.

"I thought I would give it try. After all this party is so we can relax and have fun right?" Akane said with a wink before heading downstairs. Nabiki couldn't help but smile at the profitable prospects in front of her.

9:15pm

The party was well underway after the initial shock of seeing everyone in casual wear.

"Oh dear I thought Akane said there would only be thirteen guests, I guess she meant thirty." Kasumi said as the house filled up with classmates that Nabiki invited for a reasonable fee.

Ukyo was helping herself to some chips and dip when she caught sight of Mousse and Shampoo.

"Hello Mousse." Shampoo addressed Mousse in front of Ukyo.

"Shampoo," Mousse replied nonchalantly. Ukyo couldn't believe her eyes as she watched Shampoo trying to mingle with the other guests while Mousse got himself a cup of punch.

"Mousse what was that all about?" Ukyo asked.

"Nothing important," He answered with a shrug handing Ukyo a cup of punch. They both took a drink and began mingling with the other guests. Shampoo started walking towards Ranma who was talking to Akane.

"Uh oh looks who coming." Akane warned Ranma.

"Give her a break Akane she's had a rough couple of months." Akane was caught by surprise as Ranma approached Shampoo.

"Shampoo I..."

"You be quiet Ranma, Shampoo a married woman now." This announcement caused Ranma to form the deer in headlights face.

"What, who are you married to?" Ranma asked still shocked.

"It not matter who Shampoo married to only that Shampoo no longer engaged to Ranma. That mean that kiss of death that Shampoo give girl Ranma is no longer pardoned. If Ranma turn into girl again Shampoo kill." She then kissed him full on the lips before Ranma could stop her.

"What the hell do you think your doing?" A jealous Akane said stepping forward. Shampoo pulled away and patted Ranma's cheek.

"Shampoo just give Ranma goodbye kiss."

"What do you mean goodbye kiss?"

"Shampoo means that Akane can have Ranma." She walked past a seething yet stunned Akane walked toward the punch bowl. Ranma just stood there frozen by Shampoo's kiss.

"Oh will you just get over it already." Akane said slapping Ranma in the back of the head.

"Sorry Akane I, well, just."

"Forget it already."

"No I understand your upset but she just caught me by surprise that's all." Ranma said trying to keep Akane from going on a jealous tirade. "Look let me get us some punch." He quickly looked over to see that Shampoo was no longer there. And before Akane could stop him he made a beeline for the punch bowl.

"Ranma Saotome what have you done to make the fair Akane Tendo so upset?' Kuno said addressing Ranma.

"Just a small misunderstanding," Ranma said hurriedly filling the cups with punch.

"Don't think you can dismiss me so easily Saotome." Kuno raged crushing his emptied cup. Before he could draw his sword the door to the house flew open. Standing at the doorway was a young man with short brown hair wearing a white gee.

"Where is that devil in black Akuma?" the party crasher demanded.

"Present." Akira Saotome said stepping forward to meet the mysterious stranger.

"What joke is this I was told that the demon Akuma was in Nerima?"

"You're looking at him. Am I supposed to know you?"

"You claim to be Akuma don't insult me. Akuma is at least a couple of inches taller then me with a very big chin and a stupid looking pony tail."

"You've got the wrong Akuma pal your better off looking in Thailand." The stranger left without saying word. Nabiki approached her new boyfriend.

"What was that all about?"

"Mistaken identity it happens sometimes. Last time it was some blonde guy."

Shortly after the stranger left Akuma turned up the stereo only to be confronted by Soun and Genma.

"Ah our chaperones, Hello Mr Tendo, Uncle Genma,"

"Akira." Genma muttered quietly. Soun grabbed the demon's arm.

"Just what are your intentions with my daughter?" Soun demanded.

"The same intentions Ranma has for Akane I'm sure." He said with a wink. Before Soun could react Akuma had already disappeared into the crowd.

"Take it easy Tendo, here have some punch." Genma said handing his friend a paper cup.

"No thank you Saotome, I'm not thirsty." Soun turned down the stereo to a more reasonable volume and walked away.

Ranma returned to Akane with two cups of punch. He still couldn't believe Akane's rocker look. Akane smiled at him and accepted the cup from him.

"So what are you looking at Ranma Saotome?" she asked him

"Just the sexiest looking woman at the party," Ranma answered before taking a sip of his punch.

"Your not so hard on the eyes yourself you know." She responded also taking a drink. The music started to pick up a beat and the young couple found themselves slowly moving with the music. Years of martial arts training proved quite useful on the dance floor as the young couple moved in tune with the music.

"Care to dance Miss Tendo?" Akuma asked Nabiki holding out his hand.

"I thought you would never ask Akira baby." Nabiki answered pulling Akuma onto the dance floor. Nabiki couldn't help but be impressed by the demon's nimbleness on the dance floor.

"Not bad Akuma baby."

"It's Akira in front of company remember dear?"

"Like anyone can hear us anyway," Nabiki said shrugging. Soun watch nervously as Nabiki seemed happy dancing with her demonic boyfriend. In fact it was the first time he ever saw Nabiki this relaxed. Even though what she was wearing was a little questionable to say the least. He decided that he wouldn't interfere with the party as long as Akuma behaved himself.

Ukyo looked at the clock on the wall. Still two hours until midnight, but why do I feel so sleepy? Ah fuck it the music's good and there are plenty of young studs to dance with before getting Ranma honey away from Akane. She proceeded to the dance floor leaving behind her third cup of punch.

"Back away from her knave," Kuno said pulling Ranma away from Akane.

"Knock it off Kuno I'm dancing with Ranma." Akane said as Kuno grabbed here.

"Don't be foolish Akane Tendo let me show how a man is supposed to dance." Then in front of here very eyes Kuno broke into a routine.

Got to admit he is impressive, I didn't think it was possible to river dance to Janet Jackson. Ranma thought as he watched Kuno.

"Kuno stop being shush a jach ash." Ukyo slurred pushing Kuno off the floor and into Akane's arms.

"Oh Akane Tendo I have waited so long for your embrace." Kuno said as his hand brushed against Akane's left breast."

"Kuno get off of me." Akane said trying to squirm out of his grip. Normally it would have been easy for her. But she found herself feeling sleepy and to fatigued to break his grip. Suddenly he found himself pulled of by Ranma.

"Alright Kuno I think that's enough." Kuno got up off the floor.

"Very well Ranma Saotome let's finish this once and for all." The crowd stopped dancing and started gathering around Ranma and Kuno.

"Look Kuno were supposed to be relaxing not fighting remember?" Ranma said putting his hands up in a non-aggressive manner.

"Coward you dare pull me from the loving embrace of Akane Tendo, and now you refuse to fight me for her." Ranma turned his head and looked at Akane. She was actually a little flush with embarrassment over being manhandled by Kuno. Ranma sighed and shook his head. He then walked over to Akane and pulled her into the crowed formed arena.

"Your right Kuno this has to be finished once and for all." He said pointing his finger at the aggressive tuxedo wearer. "And I will fight for Akane on the terms that you set when we first met."

"Finally," Kuno said drawing his sword out of thin air.

"That's why I'm challenging Akane to a fight." The whole crowed gasped as Ranma issued his challenge to Akane.

"What," Kuno said confused and outraged.

"You set the terms remember? You said that the only way you would allow anyone to date Akane Tendo is if they beat her in combat. Well I'm taking your challenge of honor." Kuno fell to his knees stunned. No it's impossible that peasant has outwitted me, if he beats Akane Tendo in fair combat my honor demands I leave her to him.

"Ranma what the hell are you doing?" Akane asked clearly outraged.

"The only way Kuno will back off once and for all is if I beat you. I challenge you Akane Tendo not as a prize of combat but as an equal in my life." As the words passed his lips Akane's world slowed to a stop. What's with Ranma? He's using his head and forgetting his macho pride by challenging me as an equal?

"Very well Ranma Saotome I accept your challenge as your equal." The two combatants bowed to each other and took up respected battle stances.

"Uh oh" Akuma muttered.

"What do you mean by uh oh?" Nabiki asked gripping her beaus shoulder. Akuma turned to her and whispered in her ear.

"I kind of spiked the punch with a little magic."

"You what," Nabiki yelled out loud. The crowed was too involved with the battle in front of them to notice. They watched as Ranma avoided every punch that Akane threw. "How could you spike the punch like that? What did you put in there anyway?"

"It's just a little emotional relaxant, just something to get everybody to have fun nothing more I swear."

"Do you know how ludicrous it is to see a demon swearing to god?"

"Depends on which god, Anyway the potion won't act as an aphrodisiac or anything like that, I just kind of forgot to take one thing into consideration."

"And that would be?" Nabiki asked looking a little annoyed at her boy friend.

"Hello husband you miss Shampoo." The Chinese Amazon caught Akuma by surprise with an affectionate hug.

"Jusenkyo victims," He gasped.

Akane dodged one of Ranma's punches only to have him suddenly appear behind him. Before she could turn around Ranma slapped her playfully on the rear end.

"Hey watch those hands buster." Akane said preparing herself for his next attack. Ranma just grinned at her. And Akane couldn't help but grin back this is actually kind of fun. She charged at Ranma. Ranma went down in a crouch and prepared to strike her low. But just as he thought she was going to strike instead she flipped over his head and landed behind him. He felt a swift kick hit him on his lower rump. His balance was compromised and he couldn't keep himself from falling on his face.

"Oh so you want to play rough do you?" he growled.

"Bring it on." Akane said with a little grin of her own. Ranma was surprised the level of enjoyment this confrontation was bringing him. This time he backed away from Akane. He knew he had to win but he also realized how much Akane wanted this battle. She was more then just his fiancé, she was also a proud martial artists just like him. After all I would hate it if my opponents threw the fight because they were afraid to hurt me. Smiling Ranma prepared for another round of combat with his true equal.

Wow Ranma and Akane are really going at it. Ukyo observed as she watched the battle with the rest of the crowed. She was still feeling sleepy but she wanted to see the outcome of the fight. Across from her Kuno was still kneeling in shock. He bowed his head down and starting writing something down on a piece of paper, probably more of that jackass's poetry. Like everybody else she was too absorbed in watching the fight that she didn't notice the other confrontation going on behind them.

"Come on husband let's go find someplace private." Shampoo said tugging Akuma's arm. Nabiki was firmly gripping his other arm

"Shampoo just what the hell do you think you're doing with my man?" Nabiki asked feeling very annoyed with the way Shampoo glomming on to Akuma.

"Akuma is Shampoo's husband what do you think Shampoo want to do with him in private place?" she asked giving Akuma a little wink.

"Ah excuse me, but since when have we been married?" Akuma asked finally pulling free from the Amazon Warriors grasp.

"Since you fuck Shampoo's brains out, According to Ancient Chinese Amazon Law you are now Shampoo's husband now." Akuma rolled his eyes and shook his head.

"Oh will you just give it a rest already your Amazon code is really dated you know that? I didn't propose to you."

"It not matter you are still Shampoo's husband now." She said giving Nabiki the evil eye. Nabiki let go of Akuma's arm and stood toe to toe with Shampoo.

"Look you Chinese Amazon Bitch, I've watched you chase after Ranma for years now, and now because he finally gave who the big dump-o-rama you start chasing after my guy." Akuma fearing that Nabiki was close to receiving a Kiss Of Death pulled Nabiki aside.

"Take the hint Shampoo I'm not your husband, to tell you the truth I never liked you and the only reason I slept with you was to hurt you. You see I have a century's old hatred of Chinese Amazons and you were just another chance at a little revenge."

Shampoo calmly walked over to Akuma.

"You say you only have sex with Shampoo as a cruel trick, that you really can't stand Shampoo as your wife?"

"Yeah that's the gist of it." Akuma said calmly.

"Then demon will be miserable if Shampoo his wife for as long as he live."

"Duhh!"

"In that case honey Shampoo will fuck you later." She said giving him a quick peck on the cheek. She walked away and Akuma turned only to see Nabiki with a complete look of shock on her face.

"Nabiki?" the demon called to her gently. She turned and walked away from him. "Nabiki?" he called again desperately before collapsing on his knees. "Of course," He muttered getting up and walking towards the crowd.

"Had enough?" Akane asked breathing heavily.

"Huh, I'm just getting warmed up." Ranma taunted while puffing. In reality he was surprised that the fight was lasting as long as it was. He was clearly the more skilled of the two fighters, but Akane made up for a lack of skill with her brute strength and surprisingly high endurance. The two combatants charged at each other when Ranma saw Nabiki walking looking depressed and hurt, he barley dodged Akane punch before landing one of his own hitting her esophagus knocking the wind out of her.

"Nooooooo!" Kuno screamed as Akane went down. "My lovely Akane Tendo," Kuno blurted running towards Akane.

"Back off Kuno I won fair and square, that means I have the right to court Akane, or is your samurai code so easily dismissed." The words stopped Kuno cold. He's right damn him, I have no choice but to let him court the fair Akane Tendo."

"Very well Ranma Saotome she is yours." Kuno said his head lowered and his teeth gritted. Ranma approached and gently put his hand on Kuno's shoulder.

"If it's any consolation I promise to treat her well." Kuno rose and looked into Ranma's eyes.

"You better because if you don't I'll remove your head from your shoulders." He then fell flat on his face. Seeing Kuno was no longer going to be a nuisance Ranma went to check on Akane.

"Are you alright?" Ranma gently asked her.

"I'll live," she grunted as Ranma helped her up. "Wow Ranma I never thought you would ever take me seriously in a fight."

"You've gotten a lot better since our last spar." Akane turned her head to see Kuno lying in a heap on the floor.

"What's with Kuno anyway you think he had a little too much to drink." Ranma smiled and shrugged his shoulders.

"I don't see how as far as I could tell none of the drinks have any alcohol, besides my head feels clearer than it has in months."

"Really to tell you the truth I'm feeling a little sleepy myself."

"Get up you jach ash." The young lovers turned to see Ukyo looking quite intoxicated trying to get Kuno off the floor.

"Ranma can you excuse me for a little bit I think that me and Ukyo should have a little girl talk."

"Sure Akane there's something I need to check on anyway." Ranma went towards the stairwell that led to the Tendo sister's bedrooms while Akane dragged a very surly Ukyo to the kitchen.

Mousse felt strange as he finished his third cup of punch. He just sat in his chair watching everyone dance. He didn't really feel like a party since Kodachi hadn't showed up. Also watching Shampoo flirt with every man on the dance floor made him even more depressed, what the hell is with Shampoo? Not that I really care anymore, but still she's acting very strangely. Noticing a speck of dirt on his glasses he began cleaning them.

"Hello Mu-Shuu," he heard a familiar Chinese accent purr.

"Sh, Shampoo." Mousse stuttered as the Amazon sat on his lap and began nuzzling him. "Shampoo what are you doing?" Mousse said trying to push her off his lap.

"Mousse want to dance with Shampoo?" she asked rubbing her fingers up and down his arm. The nearsighted ninja jerked his arm back.

"I don't think that's such a good idea Shampoo, you're a married woman now remember?"

"So if Akuma can play with greedy Tendo sister why Shampoo can't have any…" She gently put her hand on Mousse's groin. "Fun?" Despite his protests Mousse found himself unable to resist Shampoo's advances. His lower arsenal betrayed as Shampoo dragged him to the dance floor.

"Are you just using me to make Akuma jealous?" Mousse asked angrily while dancing with his former infatuation. Shampoo just smiled and did a quick and sexy turn around Mousse. She draped her arms around his chest and whispered in his ear.

"Mousse always make Shampoo fell sexy, unlike stupid Ranma but Shampoo always treat Mousse badly."

"Tell me something I don't know." Mousse said bitterly.

"Oh poor Mu-shu Shampoo has been really bad to you; maybe you should give Shampoo a spanking." She then grabbed Mousses wrists and put his hands on her buttocks. "Ooh!" she purred in delight as the hands slapped her firmly in the ass. Before Mousse could react; the Amazon kicked his legs open and slowly limbo'ed under them. Mousse nearly melted as he felt Shampoo's breath on his nether regions. The sudden catcalls on the dance floor snapped Mousse out of his hormone induced stupor. He suddenly found himself dancing a modified Lambada with the sexy Chinese Amazon. His body seemed to have a mind of its own as it followed Shampoos sexy motions. "You want Shampoo? Mousse now's your chance one-time offer, Shampoo said almost sternly "It you, Akuma or one of these losers but Shampoo going to get some before midnight tonight." Mousse simply nodded and allowed Shampoo to drag him to a secluded area in the Tendo's home.

Ranma knocked on Nabiki's door.

"Nabiki its Ranma are you okay?" There was no answer so Ranma tried again. "Nabiki are you okay?"

"Go away I'm fine." A sobbing voice from behind the door said. At her request Ranma moved away from the door.

"Good the last thing I need is to have Ranma seeing me like this." Nabiki said wiping the tears away from her eyes. The middle Tendo sister never was good at sharing her feelings and she would have felt too awkward talking to Ranma. Also Ranma and Akane had openly expressed their concern about her partnership with the demon and the last thing she wanted to hear was I told you so from either. A soft rapping at the door interrupted her musings. "Go away Ranma I'm fine damn it."

"Please Nabiki I just want to talk." A feminine voice responded. That sounded like Ranma's girl voice. Curious Nabiki opened the door just a peek. She was astounded to see a very female Ranma standing at the doorway.

"Ranma what are you doing like that?"

"I figured you might be a little more comfortable with a little girl talk. May I come in?" Stunned by Ranma new found sensitivity Nabiki let her in. She sat on the floor next to Nabiki's bed. "So; what happened Nabiki? Did Akuma hurt you?"

"Why should you care?" Nabiki asked trying to sound distant.

"You're my sister I love you and don't want to see you hurt."

"You and Akane aren't married yet." Nabiki countered still trying to get over the new Ranma.

"You're right, but that doesn't mean I don't care what happens to her, you, or Kasumi. Look I know that sometimes I can be an insensitive jerk, but that doesn't mean I don't have compassion for other people. It's just lately I've come to realize how much I love Akane and how important this family is to me and that includes you." Angrily Nabiki scooped up one of the publications lying on the floor.

"How can you even say that? Look what I'm doing I've been exploiting you and Akane for years, I've sold pictures of you two, I'm publishing a comic about your exploits how can you tell me you care about what happens to me? When I don't give a damn what happens to you." She yelled flinging the comic at Ranma.

"Your family and that's the only reason I really need." Nabiki charged at Ranma striking him with fists of grief. Ranma just let her until she was close enough for her to put her arms around Nabiki. The future sister-in-law broke down and began sobbing hysterically on Ranma's shirt. "That's right let it out, it's going to be okay." She said softly to her sister as she stroked her hair.

"What ares you Akane? I'm jush startin to have fun." Ukyo asked as Akane dragged her into the kitchen. Akane open the door and shoved the drunken Ukyo inside.

"Ukyo what the hell are you doing?"

"I cansh ask you the sames queshin." Ukyo responded her head just bobbing slightly.

"How much have you had to drink? For that matter where did you get the alcohol?

"I donsh know what your talkien aboot I've beens drinken the sames as you." Akane leaned over to Ukyo's mouth. "Whash you thinks ur doiun, I ain't no dyke." Akane jumped back in surprise and look in shock at Ukyo.

"There's no alcohol on your breath at all!" she said in surprise.

"I tols you, how could Ranma honee be in luv with someone so denz." Ukyo asked standing with only a little trouble. "Yu know he waz engaed to me first,butt no hiz fadder had to takes him to China, and then's bring him here. Why's he luv you anyway?"

"Because he knows me," Akane answered gently.

"Whaz that sposed to men?" Ukyo asked angrily struggling for her spatula.

"How long have you known Ranma after he left for China? All you know is that his father accepted a wedding dowry from yours and then split town."

"So?"

"So since then did you know how Ranma grew up? What kind of person he's become? His favorite music or what his favorite movie is? No all you know is that Ranma was promised to you. I think I can understand how Ranma feels a little you; Shampoo and Kodachi claim to love Ranma but you treat him like a possession, not a person. Maybe I do sometimes lose my temper with him and yes sometime we do argue all right a lot of times we argue but at least I treat him like a person. Before you commit yourself to him maybe you should find out what kind of person he really is first." Akane saw that her words struck a chord with Ukyo because the young woman just sat there staring at Akane. She was about to try to comfort Ukyo when a scream erupted in the living room. Quickly she headed towards the source of commotion. She arrived to see all the guests looking quietly at the food table. Pushing her way through the crowd she thought she could hear her father's voice pleading. Oh great did Happosai return? She thought expecting to see the old letch stealing panties from her guests. Instead what she saw shocked the hell out of her.

"Why don't you get it your own goddamn self!" she heard Kasumi as she assaulted her father with a serving tray, "what do I look like your bloody maid?" she continued screaming as she beat Soun with the tray.

"Kasumi please all I asked..."

"Asked, asked that's all you've ever done is ask me to get this or ask me to do that, not how's your day been dear, or is there anything you would like, no its just been Kasumi get this, Kasumi do that well I've had enough." Getting over the initial shock Akane ran in to save her father from Stone Cold Kasumi.

"Kasumi get a grip." Akane said trying to pull the tray from her hands.

"Oh look its little Akane Tendo the love of everybody in this room. So how are you and Ranma doing these days? Huh? Still making out in every room in this house? What you really didn't think I knew. Please I keep my room nice and tidy everyday if my blankets are even rumpled a little bit you don't think I wouldn't notice?" Akane went red as the entire party heard intimate details about her and Ranma from the quiet Tendo daughter.

"Kasumi I, I..." Akane stuttered trying to come up with a plausible explanation.

"Gee Akane you're starting to sound like Ranma." Kasumi said in a sweet sarcastic tone.

"Kasumi please what's gotten into you?"

"A potion that loosens inhibitions just a bit," Akuma answered appearing out of nowhere.

"Oh look its Ranma's cousin and Nabiki's current love bunny Akira. Feeling horny lately?" Kasumi asked with a wink. Akane grabbed the demon by his t-shirt and pulled her close to him

"What the hell did you do to her?" Akane demanded.

"I did it to everyone it's just a potion to loosen inhibition's just a bit, help's them relax."

"So how come, Kasumi pulling a Linda Blair then?" she asked looking at her sister who was addressing the crowd who weren't used to the Dark Kasumi. "What did you do to her?"

"Nothing the potions giving her the freedom to release all the emotions she's kept bottled up over the years."

"You're saying my sweet sister has been repressing her true feelings from us?" Akane asked feeling guilty as she let go of Akuma.

"Oh Akane you can be incredibly thick headed at times I mean after all how many years have you been taking P-Chan to bed not realizing he was Ryoga?"

"What?" the world suddenly faded away from Akane when she heard Kasumi's accusation, "Ryoga's P-Chan?" she gasped out. Before Kasumi could continue her little tirade Akuma appeared next to her and whispered a spell in her ear putting her to sleep.

"She should be okay," the demon told a still shocked Akane. "Do me a favor and check on your sister for me okay?" he asked and then left the party.

11:50 pm

After Kasumi's outburst Akane wasn't surprised that the guests decided to leave early. Oh Kasumi how could I not realize how you truly felt all these years? Akane stopped to see the door to her room open. Cautiously peering inside she saw Ranma in his girl form reading a comic book on her bed.

Ranma was too busy looking at the picture Amy cheating on Randy with Robert (who looked a lot like a fair haired Ryoga) Wait a minute how did Akuma know about this incident? Something's not right here. The sound of Akane clearing her throat caused Ranma to quickly throw the comic on the other side of the bed.

"What's that Ranma?" she asked walking into the room.

"The first piece of a slowly unraveling puzzle," She said quietly. Curious Akane moved closer she was still feeling a little sleepy from Akuma's potion but there was no way she was going to sleep without a New Year's kiss. Plus she had a very important question to ask Ranma.

"Ranma can you please take a hot shower I have something I want to talk to you about,"

"Actually Akane I would rather talk to you like this there's something I need to know." She responded sounding quiet but urgent. "I also need to talk to Kasumi."

"I'm afraid that's impossible for tonight Kasumi's worn out from one of Akuma schemes."

"One of his schemes,' Ranma questioned her fiancé. Akane quickly filled in Ranma about all the details he missed while consoling Nabiki and reading one of Randy and Amy's erotic adventures.

"That does explain why everybody is acting so strangely, Kuno and Ukyo's intoxication your drowsiness and Kasumi's emotional outburst. Plus I think it's also helping me explore my more feminine side."

"I have to admit you do seem more rational than usual plus also more sensitive, thanks for taking care of Nabiki."

"It really wasn't much of a problem she's family besides I'm starting to figure some things out, but I don't want to say anymore just in case I'm wrong." He paused for a moment like he was contemplating something. "Besides I need to discuss something with you." Hearing this reminded her that she also had something to talk to her lover about.

"Ranma did you know that Ryoga is P-Chan?" Akane asked suddenly and softly with just a hint of anger in her voice. The question caused Ranma to freeze, even in her more calm and collected state of mind she didn't know how to answer Akane's question. Finally putting her head down in shame Ranma confessed.

"Yes Akane I did." The fury began to grow in Akane's eyes.

"How could you not tell me? How could you let me take him to bed night after night? You knew how he felt about me how could you leave me defenseless like that with him?" Akane blurted tears of anger streaming from her eyes.

"I, I trusted him Akane, one martial artist to another I trusted him, At first I tried to get him out of your room but it always ended up with me looking like a pervert. And later when I saw how comfortable you were with him I knew that telling you would just hurt you."

"I thought you loved me."

"I did at first I couldn't figure out why it bothered me that P-Chan was sharing a bed with you, I mean after all he was a defenseless little black piglet who would get a nosebleed at the first sight of a naked woman, but slowly I realized it was jealousy and the more time you spent with P-Chan the crazier I started to get until finally I snapped and told him to stay away from your bed." Akane noticed that Ranma was starting to cry now. "And then that night he attacked Kasumi and I realized that it was my fault; because my pride my honor I allowed him access to you and the rest of your family." She began sobbing hysterically "And when I tried to tell you it was too late Akuma had cast that spell on me keeping me from telling you, Akane I'm so sorry I didn't know that Ryoga could even think of doing something so evil." Akane embraced the other young woman and hugged her. The anger she was feeling had subsided a bit as she heard Ranma's confession and his feelings of guilt. The sudden sound of a count down filled the room

Ten

Akane looked at Ranma

Nine

Ranma looked at Akane

Eight

She gently removed the tears from Ranma's face

Seven

Ranma brushed her hand gently against Akane's cheek.

Six

Akane put her hand underneath Ranma's chin

Five

She pulled Ranma's head closer to her own.

Four

"Akane if you want I can…"

Three

"Hush Ranma."

Two

Akane quickly turned of the lights and locked her door.

One

The sounds of fireworks going off

"Happy New Year the crowed shouted as the silhouettes of two young people fell into a lovers embrace.

The morning after Nabiki woke up still feeling blue. Learning just how cruel her demonic boyfriend can be. She still found it hard to believe that Akuma had slept with Shampoo not because of perverse lust (she new better to think it was love) but out of vindictive spite, just so he could crush her later. Why does he hate Amazons so much anyway? Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door.

"Nabiki its Ranma," The male sounding voice said.

"I'm fine Ranma really."

"Its business Nabiki I need you to gather up Kuno and Ukyo I think we've been set up for the past three months." Nabiki rarely heard Ranma sound so determined. Nabiki went to the door but when she opened it Ranma was already gone.

Kasumi woke up feeling better then she felt in a long time. She stretched her arms and noticed that she was wearing the same clothes she was wearing the night before.

"Oh dear I better change." The eldest sister said just before she heard a knock on her door.

"Who is it?"

"Its Akane, Kasumi can I please come in?" Kasumi opened the door to face a very somber looking Akane.

"Why Akane what is it?" Kasumi asked putting her hand to her face. The youngest sister walked into Kasumi's room. She sat down on Kasumi's bed and indicated that she wanted Kasumi to join her.

"Kasumi I need to ask you some really difficult questions regarding what happened that night with Ryoga.

"Oh Akane that was just a silly accident you know how Ryoga is he probably just went into the wrong room." Kasumi thought she noticed a shiver overtake Akane.

"Then you can tell exactly what happened, please Kasumi it's important." Akane watched as Kasumi kept her cheerful face as she looked at her sister.

"Oh Akane it's not really worth repeating."

"Kasumi you have to tell someone otherwise it's going to slowly kill you."

"Oh Akane,"

"Damn it Kasumi stop being mom, you're not my mother you're my sister and Ryoga raped you, and we were all stupid not to notice that you were hurting."

"He didn't rape me he just fondled me a bit." Kasumi said a hint of pain in her eyes.

"That's all he just fondled you a bit."

"That's it well that and he was saying your name while he did it." Akane froze as soon as she heard that she was Ryoga's intended target. She quickly got off the bed and left the room. Shutting the door she fought back the tears as Ranma walked by.

"Ah Akane about what happened last night."

"Let's just stick to business ok Ranma?" Akane said not ready to deal with the situation that occurred last night. Before he could respond Akane was already walking downstairs preparing for the final meeting with Kuno and Ukyo.

It was almost noon when the meeting commenced both Kuno and Ukyo seemed to be having a hangover. Ranma stood up and addressed the Ryoga hunters.

"I think that we have all been the victims of a cruel hoax. But before I can say more I need confirmation, Kuno, Ukyo-chan why did you put up the bounty on Ryoga's head.

"What Saotome how can you even ask that? That scoundrel has my pig-tailed princess locked up in some dungeon of deprivation."

"What makes you so sure?" did you actually see Ryoga kidnap her, or for that matter did he actually say anything to you about it."

"He has her I'm sure of it." Kuno shouted slamming his fist against the table.

"Fine Ukyo why are you involved in this," Akane asked also wondering were Ranma was going with this.

"I would rather not discuss that here." Ukyo answered looking at Ranma.

"Why what did that fiend do to you?" Kuno asked becoming more outraged by the second.

"Please we have to know, it's important." Ranma pleaded gently with his best friend.

"Alright Ranma but only you I'll talk with you only." Everyone agreed to Ukyo's terms not wanting to pry into a sensitive matter.

A minute later both Ranma and Ukyo were in his room. They made sure that nobody was eavesdropping.

"Alright Ukyo were alone now what did Ryoga do to you?"

"I know what happened between you two." Ukyo answered quietly

"What are you talking about?"

"I'm talking about what happened between the two of you in the tool shed." Ukyo said trying to keep from retching.

"I'm sorry Ukyo I still have no idea what you're talking about." Ranma said shrugging his shoulders.

"Oh Ranma I know how ashamed you must feel but you were under the effect of Sakuratu when you and Ryoga…"

"When me and Ryoga did what?" Ukyo looked around to make sure they weren't being watched then she went to Ranma and whispered in his ear. As soon as Ranma heard the words sex with Ryoga is eyes shot wide open.

"Where the hell did you hear this?" he blurted out loud forgetting about possible eavesdroppers. "I never had sex with Ryoga!" as the words left his lips he heard the sound of people collapsing on the floor outside.

"But Akuma honey said..." Hearing his new cousins' name involved in this Ranma slapped his head and began muttering phrases from a low grade action flick. Finally able to compose Ranma turned to Ukyo.

"Ukyo-chan my cousin," he said gritting his teeth. "Is really a demon from the Demon Underworld; do you really think that he is remotely trustworthy?"

"But he seemed so sincere."

"Yeah he's good at that, but I promise you Ukyo I never had any fleshy contact with Ryoga."

"But then how come he was in your clothes when we confronted him at the tool shed."

"If I had to harbor a guess I would say that was part of Akuma's scheme, in fact I think that this whole thing has just been a real cruel joke."

Kasumi was busy sweeping the floor when she heard a noise in the cellar. Opening the door to investigate she found a very confused Shampoo and Mousse struggling to find their clothes.

"Oh dear, I'm sorry Shampoo, Mousse I hope I wasn't interrupting anything." The sound of Kasumi's voice caused them to cover up as quickly as they could.

"Ah that's okay Kasumi me Shampoo and I were just..."

"Cleaning cellar floor it very dirty," Shampoo said slapping on her halter top. Mousse quickly put on his pants and found his glasses in the process,

"Oh dear I'm sorry I really haven't had time to clean the cellar, I'm sorry that you two felt it was necessary to get naked and see how much dust you can pick up by rolling around on the floor." Kasumi said with an unbelievably sarcastic tone. She shut the cellar door leaving Mousse and Shampoo scrambling for their clothes.

All the faces looked at Ranma in shock as he outlined what he believed to be his cousin's scheme.

"How can you be so sure about this Saotome?" Kuno ask skeptically.

"Kuno has a point Ranma honey I mean sure Akira lied to me and then arranged to have Ryoga in your clothes.., never mind."

"Kasumi said that Ryoga accidentally groped her." Akane said both Ranma and Ukyo couldn't help notice the angry tone of voice Akane. All through Nabiki was unusually quiet.

"Great now we only have two things to figure out, one where do we find the son of a bitch and even more importantly how do we stop him?" Ranma said looking perplexed. The sound of steel being pulled out the sheath directed their attention to Kuno.

"We stop his evil any way we can."

"Kuno baby," Nabiki uttered.

"Wait here." Nabiki suddenly spoke, she quickly ran up the stairs to her room. When she returned she was carrying a baseball cap that looked like one of Akuma's.

"What's with the hat Nabiki?" she heard her little sister ask.

"This is how were going to find Akira." Nabiki said with a quiet resolve.

Mousse and Shampoo quietly exited the cellar only to see Ranma and crew about to leave on a demon hunt.

"What do you think that's about?" Mousse asked Shampoo

"I think we follow and find out." Shampoo whispered back. The two Chinese warriors carefully followed the crew to the front door.

"Oh Shampoo are these your panties?" they heard Kasumi blurt out. The demon hunters turned around to see Shampoo and Mousses face turn red as Kasumi held out a pair of red lace panties in front of Shampoo.

"Shampoo," Akane blurted out

"Mousse," Ranma followed in Akane's shock.

"In our house," Nabiki scowled at Akira's wife and her lover.

"Oh my," Kasumi said giving the underwear back to Shampoo. The Amazon wasn't sure but she could have sworn she saw a little smirk on Kasumi's face.

"As interesting and loin provoking as this is aren't we on our way to mash Akuma?' Ukyo asked battle spatula in hand.

"You going after Shampoo's husband?" The Amazon asked pulling out her bonbori.

"And my best friend," Mousse asked pulling a couple of throwing dirks from his robe.

"Don't make this difficult you guys Akuma doesn't deserve your loyalty." Ranma told them as he prepared for the eventual combat.

"Nobody get to kick Shampoo's husband ass but Shampoo. So you go we follow then you stay out of way. And nobody I mean nobody kill him." The look on Shampoos face was equal to ten kisses of death. The whole crowed watched as Shampoo quickly shoved her panties into her pocket. "Well what you waiting for?"

Nabiki led the way to Akuma filling Shampoo and Mousse on everything that occurred while they were cleaning the cellar.

"He spiked the punch?" Mousse questioned Nabiki as he was clearly outraged.

"Sound like Shampoo's husband alright?" Shampoo just hunched her shoulders.

"So tell me something Shampoo, you slept with Akuma and that makes him your husband, right?" Nabiki asked keeping a calm demeanor.

"That right."

"So what does that make Mousse now that you slept with him?"

"Convenient." Mousse answered quietly. Both ladies stopped and looked at him. Mousse's outrage was shining through his glasses. "Will you please stop staring at me like I'm an idiot, especially since you were the one's to fall for his trick."

"What you talking about Shampoo and Mousse both affected by magical elixir."

"I said his trick not his spell." Mousse quietly as the rage seethed in him. The fact that Nabiki and Shampoo were giving him blank stares was not helping his sudden outburst.

"Don't you get it? He chose that specific potion for a reason." Mousse sighed. "I used to think you were the clever one." He said indicating to Nabiki.

"Hmmph if you're so clever why don't you explain it?" Nabiki said clearly not happy that Mousse seemed to figure out something she didn't.

"Yes Mousse, tell us what you think happened?" Shampoo agreed also miffed. Mousse straightened his glasses and shook his head.

"Shampoo who invited you the party last night,"

"Greedy over here," Shampoo answered thumbing to Nabiki.

"Alright now Nabiki why did you invite Shampoo to the party,"

"You're kidding right? Whenever any of Ranma's other fiances show up I'm usually able to get some yen one way or another."

"Are you sure it wasn't because you wanted to find out if Akuma was still interested in Shampoo?" A small teardrop appeared over Nabiki's head as Mousse's inquiry seemed to make sense.

"All right maybe I did so what?"

"I think Akuma knew that you would invite Shampoo."

"But why would he let Greedy do that?"

"Think Shampoo, Akuma knows about Chinese Amazon law. That mean's he knew that once he slept with you he's was a married beast."

"Go on." Shampoo told Mousse

"He invited me to the party knowing that you would go after me while affected by the potion, I don't know how he made me so passive but he planned for us to sleep together after he rejected you."

"But why would Akira do that?" Nabiki asked trying to keep a calm demeanor.

"Because he knew that if Shampoo cheated on him he would have a chance to annul his marriage. The only thing I don't think he planned on was falling in love with you." Nabiki stopped cold at Mousses words. "I realized that when I saw his eyes after he saved you from my barrage, sorry about that by the way." Nabiki just nodded and allowed Mousse to continue. "The only thing I can't figure out is this hatred of his Chinese Amazons, not that it matters now. Because I slept with a married woman Akuma now has the right to either choose to forgive Shampoo and fight me to the death or divorce Shampoo through ritual combat. Either way he hurt both of us."

"Hey what gives Nabiki why did you stop?" Ukyo asked as she stood there.

"Nabiki are you alright?" Akane asked concerned for her sister.

"We're here." She said quietly pointing to Akuma who was perched on a tree branch.

TBC